Question

Select the correct text in the passage.

Which phrase in this excerpt from The Redeemed Captive by John Williams demonstrates a Puritan influence?
A My master took hold of my hand

B Would not suffer him to guide my hand

C He pulled off a crucifix from his own neck

D Bade me kiss it

E He would dash out my brains

Answer 1

The phrase demonstrating Puritan influence in John Williams' 'The Redeemed Captive' is "Would not suffer him to guide my hand," reflecting Puritan values of individual conscience and resistance to coerced religious actions. Therefore correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase that demonstrates a Puritan influence in the excerpt from The Redeemed Captive by John Williams is option B: "Would not suffer him to guide my hand." This phrase reflects the Puritan value of individual conscience and resistance to coercion in matters of faith, as the speaker refuses to be guided by another person in a religious act, which in the context of the time would likely involve a forced conversion or a similar imposition upon their personal belief system. Puritans held religious autonomy and direct personal relationships with God in high esteem, often rejecting rituals or symbols they considered to not be biblically justified, such as the use of crucifixes referenced in the passage.